Homeschools vs. Charter Schools

A law passed by the Maine Legislature in 2012 allows the Maine Charter School Commission to authorize as many as 10 public charter schools over the next 10 years. Now is the time to educate yourself and others about the difference between public charter schools and homeschools, and the level of freedom and parental involvement available in each.

Homeschools are legally and fundamentally different from charter schools. The definitions below describe the difference between these two educational choices.

Charter Schools – Charter schools, whether brick and mortar or  virtual, are nonsectarian and publicly funded public schools of choice. They operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. Charter schools are responsible for the education of the students enrolled. Accountability in charter schools is based in large part on student performance on assessments, which are aligned to state standards.

Homeschools – By law, homeschools are separate from the public school system. Under Maine law, MRSA title 20-A, §5001-A, sub-§3A.(4), parents must provide a notice of their intent to homeschool their child. Parents take full responsibility for the child while the child is being homeschooled. Parents legally direct the education of the child by choosing curriculum, facilitating the process and determining academic needs. Homeschools are funded exclusively by the parent.

For more background, read Charter Schools and Virtual Charter School: “School at Home” not Necessarily Homeschooling by HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) and Virtual Charter School Myths.

Know the Difference! Read and review the Maine Educational Choice Comparison Chart and an article by Kathi Kearney, M. A. Ed., addressing the differences in Maine educational choices.